Universal tuning system for television receivers



Jan. 5, 1954 J. E. KREPPS, JR

UNIVERSAL TUNING SYSTEM FOR T ELEVISION RECEIVERS 5 Shets-Sheet l Filed Dec. 20, 1951 Jan. 5, 1954 J. E. KREPPs, JR 2,665,377 UNIVERSAL TUNING SYSTEM Filed Dec. 20, 1951 F'OR TELEVISION RECEIVERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 M INVENTOR.

J. E., KREPPS, JR 2,665,377 UNIVERSAL TUNING SYSTEM EOE TELEVISION EEcEIvEEs y Jan. 5, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 20,

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H James NNI Rmwww www Jan. 5, 1954 J. E. KREPPs, JR 2,665,377

UNIVERSAL TUNIING SYSTEM FOR TELEVISION RECEIVERS Filed DBC. 20, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Y Jan. 5, 1954 J. E. KREPPs, JR 2,665,377 UNIVERSAL TUNING SYSTEM FOR TELEVISION REcEIvERS Filed Dec. 20. 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ,M i A 20045 al I 302 (7 INVENTOR. JamesfdgczrZ/eppJ/Z Patented Jan. 5, 1954 UNIVERSAL TUNING SYSTEM FOR TELEVISION RECEIVERS James Edgar-Krepps, Jr., Bloomington, Ind., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Sarkes'Tarzian, Inc., Bloomington, Ind., a corporation of Indiana Application Iwlecember 20, 1951, SerialNo. 262,619

` 23 Claims. (cl. 25o- 20) The present invention relates to television receivers and more particularly to universal tun `ing systems whichA are adapted to tune a television receiver' to any one of a plurality of relatively low frequency television stations and are also adapted 'to operate with any one of several different tuning arrangements. to tune the re ceiver to any one of a plurality'of relatively high frequency television stations.

Under present standards, commercial television transmitting stations are assignedto the socalled V. H. F., Vor very high frequency, band, This band comprises a group of twelve channels, each 6 mc. wide, which occupy the frequency bands of 54 mc. to 88 mc. and 174 mc. to 216 mc; While these V. H.' F. stations are grouped in two different frequency bands, they are, nevertheless, all considered low frequency stations and these V. H. F. stations will be referred to collectively in this specicationas relatively low frequency television stations. I

Within the very near future, it is expected that an additional frequency band will be allocated to commercial television. Thisnew band is `called the U. H,r F.; orultra vhigh frequency, band and will include a group of'some 70 channels, Aeach 6 mc. wide, which will occupy the frequency band of 470 mc. to 890 mc.

The possibility of active commercial programs on these U.v H. F. television channels has required present-day television receiver manufacturers to provide tuning systems for the V. H. F; receivers now being manufactured which are compatible with and adapted for the reception of U. F. stations. It is extremely desirable in the present state of the art to provide a universal V. H. F. tuning system which may be incorporated in any of the V. H. F.' receivers now being manufactured and which will operate satisfactorily with any one of several dierent U. H. F. tuning systems to provide complete coverage of both the U. H. F. and V. H. F. television bands'. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved television'tuning system which is adapted to tune the television receiver to anytelevision station within either the U. H. F. or the'V. H. F. television band.

It is another object'of the present invention to provide a universal television tuner for the V. H. F; television band'which maybe utilized in existing V, H. F. receivers and is adapted for use with U. H. F. television tuners of different types for reception of stations within the U. F. television band.`

`It is a lfurther `obiect of the present invention 2 to provide a new and improved television tuning system for both the V. H. F. and U. H. F. television bands wherein the Vernier tuning means employed for V. H. F. reception is used as a station selecting means for U. H. F. reception.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide'a newand'improved television tuner for reception of V, H. F. television stations which is adapted for use as an I. F. amplier in conjunction with a preceding U. H. F. television tuner to receive'television stations in the U. band.

I t is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved television tuner for V. H. F. television receivers which is of universal application and wherein provision is made for operation of the receiver either as a dual conversion receiver or a single conversion receiver for the reception of signals from UQH. Fjtelevision stations. A

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved universal type television tuner wherein provision is made on the V. H. F. station selector switch for the selection of one or more fixed-tuned U. H. F. tuners or a continuously ,variable U. AF. tuner for `the reic eption of signals from U. H. F. television staions.

Itis a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved television tuning system for bothv the V. H. F. and'U. H. F. television bands'wherein separate antenna systems are used to receive V. H. F. and U. H. F. signals while employing the same tuning means for both kinds of signals. l Y Y Briefly, in accordance with one aspect of thel invention thereis provided in a. television receiver a V.'H. tuner which is arranged to convert signals received-from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. `television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals which are amplified and detected in the usual manner; V. H. F. tuner includes a station selector switch forthe4 selection of any one'of the existing V.I-I. F. television stations and a Vernier tuningknob for. precise adjustment 'of the tuner to anyoneof the selected V. H. F. television stationsan'd thev station vselector switch is also providedwith a plurality of U.`H. F. receiving positions. Toreceive U. H. F. television stations',` aV continuous U. H. F. tuner' or one or more single station U. H. F; tuners is vremployed and the V. H. F. tuner signal translating stages are operated as I. F. ampliers'for' the reception of IVU. Hi F. stations when the station selector switch is 'ina U. H.

The.

receiving position. The main tuning shaft of the continuous U. H. F. tuner is ganged with the vernier tuning means of the V. H. F. tuner and the local oscillator of the V. H. F. tuner is disabled during U. H. F. reception so that the same Vernier tuning means of the V. H. F. tuner may be used for the selection of U. H. F. stations.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the V. H. F. tuner is provided with circuit means for selectively energizing any one of a plurality of single station U. H. F. tuners or a continuous type U. H. F. tuner and of indicating which one of the single-station tuners is in operation. Provision is also made in the universal V. H. F. tuner as a second converter in a dual conversion super-heterodyne system, the first intermediate frequency of this located between the upper and lower frequency bands of the V. H. F. television band or below the lower frequency band;

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a television receiver employing the universal television tuning system of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of a typical U. H. F. tuner of the continuous type which may be employed in the television receiver of Fig. 1;

Figs. 3A and 3B, when laid side oy side, show a detailed schematic diagram of the universal V. H. F. tuner portion of the television receiver of Fig. 1;

Figs. 4 views respectively of and 5 are fragmentary front and side the universal tuning system of the present invention illustrating one way in which the U. H. F. and V. H. F. tuners may be mechanically interconnected;

Fig. 6 is a somewhat diagrammatic front view of one section of the station selector switch used in the V. H. F. tuner portion of the receiver of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a similar front View of a preferred arrangement of the station selector and tuning means of the V. H. F. tuner of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an elevatonal view of the core and one winding of a preferred antenna input arrangement for the receiver of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is an end view of the arrangement of Fig.8;

Figs. 10 and 11 are elevational and end views, respectively, of the arrangement of Fig. 8 showing an additional winding thereon;

Figs. 12 and 13 are elevational and end views of the arrangement of Fig. 8 at a different stage in the construction thereof;

Figs. 14 and 15 are side elevational views of the arrangement of Fig. 8 showing additional steps in the construction thereof; and

Fig. 16 is a plan View of the arrangement of Fig. 8 in its completed form.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Fig. 1 thereof, the system there illustrated comprises a television receiver which is adapted for reception of signals from both U. H. F. and V. H. F. television stations. The V. H. F. portion of the receiver is of the superheterodyne type and includes a V. H. F. antenna system indicated generally at IB which is connected to a universal V. H. F. tuner il which comprises. in general, a radio frequency amplituner for the operation of the dual conversion system beingV fier, a local oscillator and a signal mixer or converter. The intermediate frequency output of the V. H. F. tuner II is connected to an I. F. amplifier I2 to which are connected in cascade in the order named a second detector I3, a video frequency amplifier I4 and an`image reproducing cathode ray tube I5. The output of the second detector I3 is connected to a synchronizing signal separator circuit I6 which provides synchronizing signals for a vertical deflection circuit I'I and a horizontal deflection circuit I8. The outputs of the deiiection circuits I1 and. I8 are coupled respectively to the vertical and horizontal deilection coils I9 and 2G which surround the neck of the cathode ray tube I5. The stages or units I2 to 2t, inclusive, may all be of conventional well-known construction so that a detailed illustration and description thereof is deemed unnecessary herein.

Referring briey, however, to the general mode of operation of the V. H. F. receiving system described above, television signals from any one of the existing V. H. F. television stations, i. e. signals in the frequency bands of 54 to 80 mc. and 174 to 216 mc., which are intercepted by the antenna system I0, are selected by means of the station selector switch Ila of the V. H. F. tuner II, and are amplified in the R. F. amplier portion of the tuner II and converted into corresponding signals of an intermediate frequency in the converter portion of the V. H. F. tuner II. In the I. F. amplifier I2, the I. F. signals are further amplified and delivered to the second detector I3 wherein the modulation components of the received signals are detected and supplied to the video frequency amplifier I4 where they are further ampliiied and from which they are supplied in the usual manner to a control electrode of the image reproducing device I5. The detected composite television signal is supplied to the synchronizing signal separator I6 which separates the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from the video signals and supplies the separated signals to the deiiection circuits I'i and I8. The scanning Waves which are generated in the horizontal and Vertical deflection circuits II and I8 are controlled by the synchronizing voltages supplied thereto and are supplied to the scanning coils I9 and 2@ to produce electromagnetic scanning fields which deect the scanning ray in two directions perpendicular to one another so as to trace a rectilinear scanning pattern on the screen and thereby reconstruct the transmitted image.

Referring now more particularly to the portions of the receiver of Fig. l which embody the present invention, the V. H. F. tuner II is provided with a Vernier tuning knob IIb which is used to make a precise adjustment oi the frequency of the local oscillator portion of the V. H. F. tuner Il. The knob IIb is preferably connected to a sleeve-like tuning shaft Hd which is concentric with the shaft ile of the station selector switch IIa and the tuning shaft Ild is mechanically ganged to the main tuning shaft 8| of a U. H. F. tuner 25. A U. H. F. receiving antenna system indicated generally at 2B, is connected to the input terminals of the U. H. F. tuner 25 and an energizing potential for the local oscillator of the U. H. F. tuner 25 is supplied from the V. H. F. tuner II over the conductor 2. The U. H. F. tuner 25 is of the continuously variable type and converts the received U. H. F. signals into corresponding intermediate frequency signals which may be of the `'same intermediate frequency as the I. F. amplifier I2.

The intermediate frequency output of the U. H. F. tuner 25 is connected to a separate input terminal 3e of the V. H. F. tuner il, by any suitable means such as the illustrated coaxial cable 3l, and the V. H. F. tuner II is operated during U. H. F. reception as an I. F. amplier for the intermediate frequency signals produced by the U. H. F. tuner 25. To this end, the input circuit of the V. H. F. tuner .I I, Yas is more fully explained hereinafter, is switched by means of the station selector switch IIa from the V. H. F.

`antenna system Ill tothe input terminal 3a and,

at the same time, an operating potential is supplied over the conductor 2l to the U. H. F. tuner 25 to energize the local oscillator thereof. Also, when the selector switch YI Id is actuated to the U. H. 4F. position, the signal translating stages of the V. H. F. tuner lI are caused to operate as I. F. amplifiers fo-r signals of the intermediate frequency output ofthe U. H. F. tuner 25, and

one of the indicator lamps, such as the lamp 36,

is energized by means of an alternating current which is supplied from the output terminal 33 of the V. H. F. tuner II to indicate that the U. H. F. tuner 25 is being used. The intermediate frequency signals produced by the U. H. F. tuner 25 are then amplied in the V. H. F. tuner I I and supplied to the I. F. amplifier I2 wherein they are further amplied in the manner described above and employed in the remaining components of the systems to reconstruct the transmitted image. rI'he R. F. amplifier of the V. H. F. tuner Ii and the I. F. amplifier I2 are preferably controlled by means of an automatic gain control voltage which is derived, for eX- ample, from the second detector I t and impressed upon the AGC conductor lill.

In the reception of ultra high frequency signals, it is sometimes convenient to employ one or more so-called Xed-tuned U. H. F. tuners which may be tuned by means of a screwdriver adjustment to receive one particular stationwithin the U. H. F. television band. In order to provide for the reception of signals from two single station U. H. F. tuners, the V. H. F. tuner II is provided with a second input terminal :lila so that the output terminal :leb of a rst, fixedtuned or single station U. H. F. tuner l5 may be connected to the input terminal 3l) and the output terminal flea of a second single station U. H. F. tuner e5 may be connected to the alternative input terminal 39a, it being understood, of course, that the continuous tuner 25 is not connected to the input terminal B in the event that single station tuners are employed. The conductor 2'! is connected to. the +B terminal 45a of the tuner le and an alternative +B terminal 32a of the V. H. F. tuner II is connected to the +B terminal 2Ia of the tuner 46. The single station U. H. F. tuners t5 and fifi may be provided with separate antenna systems 41a and d8, respectively, or in the alternative, both of the units l5 and le may be operated from the same ultra high frequency television antenna. The intermediate frequency output terminals 15b and 46a of the single station tuners @.15 and l may be selected by the means of the station selector switch Ila in the universal V. H. F. tuner II and the Vselected intermediate frequencysignals. `are amplified in the V. H. F. tuner II which is operated as an I. F. amplifier vfor both of the above described station selector positions `wherein the terminals 39 and=30a are connected tothe input `32d and the terminal 21a to the tuner .4 5 to energize the same. The indicator lamps 3G and 3'! are selectively energized by applying an alternating current to .eitherone of the output terminals 3l? or $80. when one or the other `of the single station .tuners 45 or it is energized.` The lamps St and .31 may be of different colors to indicate which single station tuner is being used.

In some instances, it is desirable to provide a dual conversion system for U. H. F. reception, in which case the universal V. H. F. tuner II `is arranged to perform the second conversion of frequency. In such case, a continuous type U. H. F. tuner fl'I may be employed whichrhas the V. H. F. band, i. e., in .the vicinity of 133 me., the output terminal lili? of the ,tuner'fllbeing connected to an alternative input Vterminal 36h of the V. H. F. tuner II andthe +B terminal 2lb of the tuner lil being connected to `an alternative +B terminal 32h in the ktuner I I. When the station selector switch 'I Ia is thrownto the correct position the input of the V. H. F. tuner II is connected to the alternative inputiterminal Sill), energizing potential is supplied to the terminal 32h, and the V. I-I. F. tuner II amplies the intermediate frequency `signal from the U. H. F. tuner d1 and converts the amplified intermediate frequency signal into a lower frequency intermediate frequency Vsignal which is then supplied to the I. F. amplifier I2.

In Fig. '7 there is shown a preferred arrangement of the station selector switch Ila and vernier tuning knob I lb of the universal V. H. F. tuner II of Fig. 1. Referring to this gure, the selector switch is provided with 12 V. H. F. station selector positions for selecting any one of the existing channels 2 to 13, inclusive, which comprise the V. ILL'Frtelevision band. vMidway between the channel 2 and the channel 13 positions of the switch, there is provided a U. H. F. #l position in which position the terminal 30 is connected to the input of the universal V. H. F. tuner I I as described above in connection with Fig- 1. The switch IIa is also provided with an adjacent position U. H. F. #2 position in which position the input terminal 30a is connected to the input of the V. H. F. tuner II. Midway between the channel 6 and channel 7 positions of the switch IIa, there is provided a U. I-I. F. alternate position in which positionthe input terminal 30h is connected to the Ainput of the V. tuner II. In this position, the universal V. H; F. tuner II is operated asa second converter in a dual conversion system. In thepositions U. H. F. #1, and U. H. F. #2, the vuniversal V. H. F. tuner II is operated as an I. F. amplifier at the same intermediate frequency as the I. F. amplifier I2.

The continuous U. H. F. tuner 25 may comprise any suitable circuit arrangement for converting signals from any one of the stations in the U. H. F. television band into corresponding signals of the same intermediate frequency as the frequency. towl'iich Vthe-1I. amplifier ,I2 (Fig. 1

is tuned. The U. H'. F. tuner 25 is capable of being continuously tuned throughout the band of 470 to 890 mc. and has suitable band width and selectivity characteristics to select any particular television station in this band. For example, the U. H. F. tuner 25 may comprise a circuit arrangement substantially as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings wherein signals received by the U. H. F. antenna system 26 are coupled into a first resonant tank circuit indicated generally at 60 by any suitable means such as the coupling loop 6|. The resonant tank circuit 60 may be tuned to the frequency of the incoming U. H. F. signal by variation of either the inductive branch of the resonant circuit or the capacitive branch, or both, as will be evident to those skilled in the art, and the tank circuit 60 is provided with suitable band width and selectivity characteristics to select any desired television station within the U. H. F. band. Television signals which are selected in the tank circuit Gli may be coupled to a mixer tank circuit, indicated generally at 62, by any suitable means such as the link coupling circuit indicated generally at 63. The tank circuit 62 may be substantially identical to the tank circuit 60 and is tuned by variation of either the capacitive or inductive branches thereof, or both. Local oscillations are generated in a local oscillator stage indicated generally at 65, the stage 65 being provided with a resonant tank circuit 66 which is preferably tuned above the U. H. F. television signal by an amount equal to the desired intermediate frequency output and the tank circuit 66 may be tuned by variation of either the inductive or capacitive branches thereof to provide the necessary frequency variation of the locally generated oscillations. The oscillations produced by the local oscillator stage 55 are coupled by any suitable means such as the coupling loop 61 to the mixer tank circuit 62. Both the incoming signal and the locally generated oscillations are extracted from the tank circuit 62 by any suitable means such as the coupling loop 68 and are coupled to a crystal mixer or detector 10. The coupling loop 68 is connected to the cathode of the crystal 10 and `the anode thereof is connected through the R. F. bypass condenser 1| to ground. Aradio frequency choke 12 may also be connected to the anode of the crystal 10 and used in conjunction with a bypass condenser 13 to measure crystal current as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The crystal 10 may comprise a germanium crystal, or other suitable detector unit having a non-linear current-voltage characteristic so that sum and difference frequencies are produced in the detector output circuit. An ouput circuit which is tuned to the desired intermediate frequency is provided for the crystal 10 and includes the variable inductance 15 and the condenser 16 which together form a resonant circuit which is tuned to a nominal intermediate frequency of 44 mc. for example. Intermediate frequency signals produced across the condenser 16 may be coupled by any suitable means such as the coaxial cable 3| to the input circuit of the V. H. F. tuner (Fig. 1). The variable tuning elements of the tank circuits 60, 62 and 66 are mechanically ganged together so that they may be driven by a common tuning shaft which, as described briefly above, is connected to and driven by the tuning shaft of the Vernier tuning knob IIb in the V. H. F. tuner Il. There is also provided an indicator dial 80 which is driven by the common tuning shaft and serves to indicate the particular U.. H. F. station to which the U. H. F. tuner 25 is tuned. Energizingpotential for `thelocal oscillator stage of the U. H. F. tuner 25 is supplied from the V. H. F. tuner over the conductor 21. Heater voltage for the filament of the local oscillator stage 65 may be supplied from any suitable source such as the main filament transformer of the television receiver so that the local oscillator tube of the U. H. F. tuner 25 is continuously heated and ready for immediate operation as Soon as an energizing potential is supplied thereto over the conductor 21.

While the U. H. F. tuner 25 shown in Fig. 2 has been described in some detail in view of the present state of the art and in order to provide a complete understanding of the present invention, it will be understood that any other type of continuous U. H. F. tuner may be employed in so far as the present invention is concerned. Thus, any suitable continuous tuning means may be employed which will convert the U. H. F. television signal into a suitable intermediate frequency signal and which employs a common tuning shaft for the variable tuning elements of the tuner.

Referring now in more detail to the universal V. H. F. tuner there is shown in Figs. 3A and 3B of the drawings a schematic diagram of a suitable tuner circuit embodying certain aspects of the present invention. Referring to these iigures, the V. H. F. tuner comprises a rst dual purpose signal translating stage indicated generally at 90, a second dual purpose signal translating stage indicated generally at 92, a local 0scillator stage indicated generally at 95, and a plural-section station selector switch having the switch wafers S-l, S-Z, S-3, S-4, S-5 and S-B which are commonly controlled by means of the station selector switch shaft I |c. Preferably, the selector switch and circuit components of the V. H. F. tuner `are completely shielded by means of the improved arrangement shown in U. S. Patent No. 2,497,747, issued to A. A. Valdettaro and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. As described briefly above, the station selector switch is of the rotary type and is provided with 16 switch positions, l2 of which are used for the reception of the 12 V. H. F.

television stations, and 3 of which are used for U. H. F. reception with different types of ultra high frequency tuning arrangements, the remaining position being used for the common switch contacts of each switch rotor so that one position is blank in so far as station selection is concerned.

In the schematic diagram of Figs. 3A and 3B the switch rotors of each switch section are illustrated in developed form to simplify the illustration of the circuit connections thereto. However, it will be understood that each of the switch sections S-i to S-G, inclusive, includes an annular rotor plate or plates and a plurality of angularly spaced stator switch contacts. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the first rotor plate 91 of the switch section S-I comprises an annular portion 81a to which electrical contact is continuously made by means of the fixed stator wiping contact 98, and a tongue portion 91h which sequentially connects the stator contact 98 to any one of the stator contacts 99 to ||3 inclusive. The switch section S-l further comprises a second rotor plate |20 (Fig. 3A), which is positioned on the opposite side of the insulated switch rotor from the rotor plate 91 and comprises the relatively narrow annular band |20a and a relatively wide tongue portion |2011 which short circuits the contacts |25 to |28, inclusive, inthe channel 13 positionshown in Fig. 3A. Y

acetic??- In a similar manner the switch section S-2 comprises the arcuate rotor segments |30a and |3017. The segment |3ila connects the contact |32 to the contact |3| in the U. H. F. #2 position and to the contact |33 in the U. H. F. #l position. The segment |302) is used to connect the contacts |34 and |3411 together in either of the switch positions U. H. F. #l or U. H. F. #2. The switch section S2 further comprises a second set of segmental rotor plates |35a and |35b. The plate |351) connects the stator contact |3`| to the contact |33 in the U. H. F. #l position and to the contact |36 in the U. H. F. #2 position, and also connects the contacts |39 and M3 together in the switch position U. H. F. Alt. The rotor plate |350. connects the contacts |37 and |3'la together in the U. H. F. Alt. position.

The switch section S-3 comprises a rst rotor plate Mi which connects the common stator contacts |42 and |49 together and short circuits the intermediate stator contacts |43 to il, inclusive, in successive switch positions. The section S-3 further comprises a rotor plate ||l which connects the common stator contact I 5| with successive ones of the stator contacts |52 to |58, inclusive. The switch section S-A (Fig. 3B) includes a. first rotor plate Hill which connects the common stator contact 5| to the common stator contact |69 in all positions except the switch positions U. H. F. #l and U. H. F. #2 and further connects the common switch contacts ISI and |69 to successive ones of the stator contacts |c`2 to |68, inclusive. The switch section S-l also includes a rotor plate il!) which connects a cornmon stator contact Ill to the intermediate stator contacts H2 to ill, inclusive. The switch section S-5 includes the rotor plate lso which connects the common stator1 contact i8! to successive ones of the stator contacts |32 to |94, inclusive. Finally, the' switch wafer .Si-ii includes the rotor plate |95 which connects the contacts 19@ and is? together in all positions except the U. H. F. Alt. position and connects the contacts "|91 and |98 together in the U. H. F. Alt. position. `t will be noted that in each of the wafers Sel, lS-Z, 5 3 and S-4, each oi the stator contact positions is used for only one circuit connection or, in the alternative, two stator contacts in the same :position are electrically connected together. With this arrangement the complexity of the switch is materially decreased and a switch which can be readily manufactured at -low cost is provid'ed. The station selector switch is shown in the channel 13 position in Figs. 3A and 3B and 'as the switch shaft l |c is rotated in the counter- 'clockise direction as viewed in Figs. 6 and '7, the 'switch rotors are moved downwardly from the positions shown in Figs. 3A and 3B.

In order to tune the input and output circuits of the first translating stage Sil and the input circuit of the second translating stage 92 to any one of the V. I-I. F. television signals, the switch sections S-l, S-.Ii and S-'d are connected to individual tuned circuits so as to change the inductanoe of each tuned circuitby fixed inductive increments for each change in the switch position. Likewise, the switch section 5 5 is connected to change the inductance of the loca-l oscillator tank circuit by Xed inductive increments to tune the local oscillator to the correct frequency for each of the received V. H. F. television signals.

Considering the circuit arrangement when the selector switch is in vthe channel 13 position shown in Figs. 3A and 33, signals which are re ceived iby the antenna system |0 are coupled to the input transformer 26E! which is provided wit-ha pair of balanced primary windings 209e and 28M and a pair of secondary windings 2501i and 20Gb. Signals appearing across the secondary winding Zilila are connected through the switch contacts 99 and si?, the condenser 2e! and the inductance 262 to the rst control grid of the tube s3 of the iirst translating sta-ge 9i?. In the channel 143 position the input circuit is tuned to the highest V. H. F. signal so that the circuit inductance is at a minimum and comprises primarily the inductance to2 and the inductance included in the switch rotor between the contacts t8 and 9s and lead inductances.

In each of the channel positions 2 to 13, inclusive, of the station selector switch the tube 2&3 is operated as a radio frequency amplier for the V. F. signals coupled to the viirst control grid thereof. Thus, the tube 2283 is self-biased by means of the cathode bias resistor an automatic gain control voltage from the lsecond detector (Fig. l), or a suitable keyed AGC circuit, is connected over the conductor (lil and through the grid resistor 295 and inductance 202 to the rst control grid of the tube 251,3. Operating anode potential for the tube 03 lis supplied through the decoupling resistor 2%, the switch contacts Ii and |52 and the inductance 2c? to the anode of the tube 233 and this vpotential is also supplied through the switch rotor plate lili, the contacts IfiZ and IGS and the dropping resistor Zdt to the screen grid of the tube 2%. Appropriate bypass condensers .299 and 2|!) are connected respectively to the screen grid resistor 2il8 and the anode resistor 296.

Considering now the manner in which the input circuit of the tube 2GB is Varied by fixed inductive increments as different V. H. F. `sta-- tions are selected, when the station selector switch is moved to the channel l2 position the contacts 98 and ist are connected together ,and the small incremental inductance Sea connected between the contacts i353 and ii is inserted into the input circuit. The incremental inductance 98o may comprise a single half turn or loop of wire connected between the terminal lugs of the stator contacts e9 and Idil. In a siinilarrnanner, when the switch is turned to the channel .ll position the contacts et! and It! are connected together so that the additional incremental in ductance between the xed contacts lili) and lill is inserted into the circuit. The same incre mental variation in the inductance of the input circuit obtains until the station selector switch is moved vto the channel 6 position at which time the winding 295m is open circuited and the sec,- ondary winding 290D serves as the input winding for the input tube 283. Thus, in the channel 6 position the V. H. F. signals produced across the winding Zllb are coupled through the inductance 2|2 and through the switch contacts |831 and 98.

which are connected together through the rotor 97, and through the coupling condenser 241| and the inductance 202 to the rst control grid of the tube Elli-i. The series inductance 2|2 is of sunicient value together with the inductance 232 and the remaining circuit inductances to tune the input circuit of the tube to the relatively low frequency of channel 6. In this `connection it will be understood that Vthere is a frequency gap of como. between channels 6 and rlso that `the inductance necessary to tune the input circuit v.to channel 6 is substantially larger than Vfor .channel 7 and the inductance 2|2 may be .a coil fof 2te, and.

11' several turns. Asv the station selector switch is moved to the channel position the contacts |21 and |28, which have previously been short circuited by the rotor plate |2019, are open circuited so as to insert the incremental inductance |01a appearing between the xed stator contacts |01 and |08 in series with the inductance 2|2 to the control grid of the tube 203. As the selector switch is moved to the lower numbered channel positions the additional incremental inductances appearing between the contacts |08 to H2 inclusive, are additively inserted in series with the inductance 2|2 to increase the input circuit inductance and thereby lower the frequency to which the input circuit of the tube 203 is tuned.

With the above described input circuit switching arrangement the antenna system l0 is matched to the input circuit of the tube 203 over both the high and low frequency portions of the V H. F. band without providing additional switch contacts for any of the input transformer windings. Furthermore, the provision of two secondary windings, one for the high frequency V. H. F. stations and the other for the low freqency V. H. F. stations insures that the high frequency circuits are not capacity loaded by the greater inductance low frequency circuits and that the low frequency inductances are not shunted out of the circuit by the smaller high frequency inductances.

The output circuit of the tube 203 is tuned in a similar manner by inserting inductive increments into the output circuit thereof. Thus, in the channel 13 position the anode of the tube 203 is tuned by means of the common inductance 201 and the inductance formed by that portion of the rotor |50 included between the contacts |5| and |52. In the channel 12 position the rotor |50 is moved so that the contacts |5| and |53 are connected together and the incremental inductance|52a included between the xed contacts |52 and |53 is inserted in series with the coil 201. Additional inductance is inserted into the anode circuit of the tube 203 in successively lower switch positions to tune the output of this tube to successively lower V. H. F. frequencies. It will be noted that the rotor |4| progressively short circuits the low frequency channel inductances between the contacts |43 to |49, inclusive, to prevent these inductances from acting as trap circuits and causing suck-outs or holes in the band pass characteristics of the high frequency channels. The output signals produced at the anode of the tube 203 are coupled through the condenser 2|5 to one control grid 2|6 of a combined converter and oscillator tube 2|1. Preferably the tube 2 i 1 is of the commercial type 6X8 and comprises a triode section and a pentode section in the same envelope, the cathodes of the triode and pentode sections being connected together inside the envelope and brought out to a single terminal pin. The pentode section of the tube 2|1 is used as a converter for the reception of V. H. F. television signals and as an I. F. amplifier for the reception of U. H. F. television signals.

In order to tune the input circuit of the pentode section of the tube 2|1 there is provided a tuned circuit in which the inductive branch is varied in xed increments by means of the switch section S-4. Thus, in the channel 13 position the inductance of the switch rotor |60 between the contacts |6| and |62 is connected in series with the coil 220 and the coupling condenser 22| to the rst control grid of the pentode section of the tube 2 I1 so as to tune the input circuit of the pentode section to the frequency of channel While the condenser 2|5 provides sufficient coupling for the high frequency V. H. F. signals, it is necessary to provide increased coupling for the' low frequency V. I-I. F. signals. Accordingly, the condensers 2|5a and 2|5b are provided whichA couple signals from the anode of the tube 203 to the control grid of the pentode section of the tube 2|1. The resistor |18 is provided to obtain the correct band Width on the low frequency V.- H. F. stations and the resistor |19 is connected from the midpoint of the inductance |11a to the contact |69 to provide the correct loading and band width for the 44 mc. intermediate frequency' to which the tubes 203 and 2|1 are tuned in the U. H. F. #l and U. H. F. #2 positions.

In order to bias the pentode section of the tube 2|1 to the correct operating point for converter operation, the resistor 222 (Fig. 3A) is connected' to the cathode of the pentode section of the tube' 2|1 through a circuit which includes the switch Contact IBI, the switch rotor |60, and the switch contact |69. A second cathode resistor 223 is also connected between the cathodes of the two sections of the tube 2|1 to ground and is thus connected in parallel with the resistor 222. Appro priate bypass condensers 224 and 225 are respectively connected across the resistors 222 and 223.

For reception of V. H. F. television signals the triode section of the tube 2|1 is used as a local oscillator and the tube current of the triode section flows through the common cathode resistors 222 and 223. Thus, for V. H. F. television reception the amount of cathode resistance required to bias the pentode section of the tube 2|1 for proper converter operation is relatively small and is approximately ten times less than that required if no oscillator current is flowing and the pentode section is operated as an amplifier'. Accordingly, the resistor 222 is preferably in the order of 220 ohms and the resistor 223 is preferably in the order of 2200 ohms. In the U. H. F. #l and U. H. F. #2 positions the local oscillator is deenergized, as discussed briefly in the general description of the system, so that it is necessary in these positions to readjust the bias on the pentode section of the tube 2 |1.A This is done by removing the resistor 222 from the cathode circuit of the tube 2|1 so that the resistor 223 alone furnishes bias for the pentode section. Thus, in the U. H. F. #l and U. H. F. #2 positions, the contacts |6| and |59 are not connected together through the rotor |60 so that the resistor 222 is disconnected from the cathodes of the tube 2|1. In this connection it will be understood that the triode and pentode sections of the tube 2|1 may comprise separate tubes insofar as the present invention is concerned and the term tube is intended to cover arrangements having separate converter and oscillator tubes as well as the illustrated single envelope arrangement.

The local oscillator including the triode section of the tube 2|1 is tuned by fixed inductive increments by means of the switch section S-5 and a Vernier tuning condenser 230 is provided to adY just the frequency of the local oscillator for precise tuning to the received station. The tuning condenser 230 is mechanically connected to the tuning knob ||b of the V. H. F. tuner through the shaft ||d so that the frequency of the local oscillator may be varied over a range of 2 to 4 megacycles, after the station has been selected by operation of the selector knob Ila, to permit precise adjustment of the local oscillator to the frequency of the receive-d signal. In the channel y13 position the inductive branch of the local oscillator tank circuit comprises the inductance of the switch rotor |30 between the contacts 18| and |82 togetherwith the main tuning in'ductance 23|, which, with the tube and circuit capacities is tuned to the frequency of channel 13. The Vernier Vtuning condenser 23B is connected through the contacts |96 and li to only a part of the inductance 23| so as not to provide too great a frequency variation at the upper end of the V. H. F. band. vFeedback sufficient to sustain oscillations is provided between the tank circuit and the control grid of the triode section of the tube 2H through the condenser 232. in the channel 12 position, the switch contacts i3! 'and |83 are connected together so that 'the incremental inductance |8264 connected between the contacts |82 and |83 is inserted in series with the inductance 23|, thereby lowering the frequency f the oscillator tank circuit. Anode operating potential for the local oscillator is supplied from the +B conductor through the resistor 235, the incremental inductances between the contacts |82 to i953, inclusive, the switch rotor itil, and the inductance 23 l. Oscillations produced at the anode of the triode section of the tube 2|? in the high frequency V. H. F. switch positions are coupled to the control grid of the pentode section thereof through the condenser For the low frequency V. H. F. stations the condenser 2:33a provides additional oscillator injection to the control grid of the converter stage through the inductances between the contacts H38 to ft2, inclusive, the inductance 22e and the condenser 22|. The pentode section operates as a conventional mixer or converter to produce the desired int-er- Inediate frequency in the output circuit thereof. Specifically, the anode of the pentodesection is connected through the inductance 23e vand the resistor 240 to the +B conductor, and the condenser Zl! is provided so that the output circuit of the pentode section is tuned to the desired intermediate frequency band, `creferably having a nominal center frequency of 44 mc.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be evident'that in the V. H. channel positions 2 to 13, inclusive, the stage 9i! is operated 'as a tuned radio frequency amplifier, the stage Q2 is operated as a converter, and the `stage 'Se is operated as a local oscillator so as to produce in the output circuit of the stage 92 an intermediate frequency signal which may be amplified in the intermediate frequency amplifier if: of the television receiver. When `the selector switch 'is moved to either one of the switch positions U. H. F. #l or U. #2, the stage Sil is ope'- ated as an I. F. amplifier to amplify the intermediate frequency signal produced by the U. H. F. tuner 25 in the manner described above. The Vstage 92 is also operated in either of these positions as an I. F. amplifier for the intermediate frequency signal produced by the U. H. F. tuner 25, and anode potential is removed from the local oscillator stage $5.

In Figs. S to 16, inclusive, there are shown the structural details of a suitable antenna input transformer Zoll which may be employed to match the 300 ohm input cable of the antenna system le to the input circuit of the tube 2233 in either of the low frequency or high frequency portions of the V. H. F. television band. Referring to these figures, there Tis provided an elongated cylindrical core Sofi which yis preferably of powered iron or 'other suitable ferromagnetic material and has a length of one half inch and a diameter of .l inch. The high frequency secondary Winding 2Mo is comprised of a relatively wide at strip of conductive metal, such as copper, which is wound directly on the core 396 in the manner shown in Fig. 8. It will be noted that the end portions 3m and 362 of the high frequency secondary winding Etica. are formed so that they extend away from the ends of the core SEU in a direction generally parallel to the axis thereof. It will also be noted that the secondary winding 20Go is wound flatwise along the length of the core Silo so 'that it conforms substantially to the cylindrical surface thereof.

On top of the high 'frequency scondary winding 2mm there is wound a low frequency secondary winding 2Mb (Fig. 10). The secondary winding 2cm; preferably comprises a wire of cylindrical cross-section which is coated with suitable insulating material, such as #32 heavy Formvar wire, and one end '3M of the secondary winding 29Go is wound about and electrically connected to the tab end 3m of the high frequency second ary winding 2Mo, as best illustrated in Fig. 10. The pitch of the secondary winding 2Mb is approximately twice that of the high frequency winding 295Go, and the other end portion 364 thereof is formed so that it extends away from the end of the core 300 in a direction generally parallel to the axis thereoV A single layer of insulating tape tot (Fig. l2) is wound over the secondary windings Zll'llz and Eilh and is overlapped so that the windings 290e and 2Mb are co'i'npletely insulated.

The balanced primary winding including the sections 2Mo and 29nd is wound on top of the insulating tape 36B in the manner shown in Fig. lll.. Thus, referring to this ligure, the primary winding includes .a pair of cross-wound sections Zeile and .ld which are twisted together' at the point 3io and are cross-wound in the same direction along the length of the core '30e and on ltop of the tape Std. The vcross-wound sections 252er: and Ztlfld terminate in a common center tap lead Si! which is twisted 'for a substantial length to form the portion 32 which is looped back over the cross-wound portions 'Zoco and 23M in the manner shown in Figs. l5 and i6, and the end of the center tap 'portion 3l? is wound about and connected to Athe tab portion '3L-c! of the frequency secondary winding Soca by any suit able means such as soldering, or the like. The twisted portions of the center tap lead 3|'2 are soldered for the 'entire length of the lead and, as best illustrated in Fig. 16, the center tap .lead 3|? is ydressed so that it loops away from the cross-wound portions 235e and Zlllld of the primary winding.

With this construction the high frequency secondary winding loca effectively matches the 300 ohm impedance `of the antenna input cable, which is connected to the ungroun'ded ends off the plimary windings 2h61: and Z'd, vto the input circuit of the tube 263 for the efficient reception of sig nals from television stations in the high frequency V.. l-I. F. band. Gn the lother hand, the secondary winding 2343i) effectively matches the SGO ohm antenna input impedance to the input circuit of the tube 293 for signals from television sta tions in 'the `low frequency V. H. F. band. Eecause of the fact that the secondary windings Zella and 209i) are 4closely coupled, short circuiting "the winding Hthin `the manner described in detail hereinafter during reception 'of signals in the U. H. F. television band will effectively suppress V. H. F. signals appearing on either of the windings 20011 or 200b. Also with this arrangement, interference from FM stations which are situated between the low frequency and high frequency V. H. F. television bands is positively avoided as a result of the complete damping out of all signals which may be coupled to either of the secondary windings 200:; or 200D.

Considering now the operation of the universal V. H. F. tuner I I, when the station selector switch is moved to the U. H. F. #l position, the intermediate frequency signal from the U. H. F. tuner 25, which preferably has a nominal frequency of 44 mc., is coupled through the inductance 245 (Fig. 3A), the switch contacts ||3 and 98, the condenser 20| and the inductance 202 to the control grid of the tube 203. The condenser 246 together with the inductances 245 and 202 and the input capacity of the tube 203 tunes the input circuit of the tube 203 to the desired intermediate frequency. In the same switch position, the switch contacts |32 and |33 are connected together by means of the rotor segment |30a so that +B operating potential is supplied over the conductor 21 to the local oscillator of the U. H. F. tuner 25 so that this tuner is made operative to convert received U. H. F. television signals into corresponding 44 mc. intermediate frequency signals. The local oscillator of the tuner 25 is preferably tuned above the U. H. F. signal for 44 rnc. I. F. operation, i. e., a single conversion system. Also in this position, the contacts |31 and |38 are connected together through the rotor segment |3517 so that an alternating current is supplied to the output terminal 38 to energize the indicator lamp 36 (Fig. l). The operator is thus advised that the receiver is connected for U. H. F. reception when the V. H. F. station selector switch is thrown to the U. H. F. #l position.

In the U. H. F. #l position, the output current of the tube 203 is tuned to 44 mc. by the total of the inductance increments connected between the contacts |52 to |58, inclusive, and |43 to |49, inclusive, and the inductance 201 together with the tube and circuit capacities. The input circuit of the pentode section of the tube 2I1 is also tuned to 44 mc. by the total of the inductance increments between the contacts |62 to |68, inclusive, and |12 to |1I, inclusive, the inductance 220 and the associated tube and circuit capacities. In this position the rotor |80 is disconnected from the fixed contacts |82 to |94, inclusive, so that the +B circuit for the oscillator tube is broken and operating potential is removed from the local oscillator stage. When operating potential is removed from the local oscillator tube, the flow of current through the common cathode resistor 222 is substantially decreased so that it becomes necessary to readjust the operating point of the stage 92 so that it may operate properly as an I. F. amplifier. To this end, the connection of the resistor 222 to the cathodes of the tube 2|1 is broken in the U. H. F. #l position since the switch contact |6| is not connected to the switch rotor |60, and the resistor 222 and condenser 224 are thus removed from the cathode ycircuit of the tube 2|1. The cathode resistance of the pentode section of the tube 2|1 then becomes equal to the resistor 223 alone, which resistor is of the correct value for proper I. F. amplifier operation.

In order to prevent V. H. F. signals which are received by the antenna system I from interfering with the operation of the stages 30 and 92 as 44 mc. I. F. amplifiers for U. H. F. reception, the secondary winding 2001 is short circuited through the contact |34a, the rotor sec- .tion |30?) and the contact |34 in both the U. H. F. .#1 and U. H, F. #2 positions. Since the secondary windings 200a and 20012 are closely coupled, as described in more detail above, the short cir- .cuit on winding 200b effectively short circuits .the winding 20011 so that no V. H. F. signals are presented to the input circuit of the tube 203 in these positions.

As described generally above in connection with the system diagram of Fig. 1, the universal V. H. F. tuner is also adapted to operate with two single-station U. H. F. tuners in which case it is desirable to switch operating potential from one tuner to the other and also to indicate which tuner, i. e. which single U. H. F. station, is being selected. For this type of V. H. F. reception, a single station U. H. F. tuner 45 (Fig. 1) is substituted for the continuous U. H. F. tuner 25 and the intermediate frequency output thereof is connected to the input terminal 30 so that the .intermediate frequency signal is amplified in the stages and 92 in the manner identical to that described above in connection with the continuous tuner 25. A second single station tuner .46 (Fig. I) is connected to the alternative input .terminal 30a which is selectively connected to .the input circuit of the tube 203 when the selector switch is thrown to the U. H. F. #2 position. The inductance 245a and the condenser v2Min perform the same functions as the inductance 245 and the condenser 246 in tuning the input circuit of the tube 203 to 44 mc. In the U. H. F. #2 position the switch rotor segment |30a is moved to connect the contacts |3| and .|32 so that operating potential is shifted from the first single station tuner 45 to the second single station tuner 45. Also, the switch rotor segment |35b is moved to connect the contacts I|36 and |31 so that alternating current is shifted from the indicator lamp 36 to the indicator lamp 31. Either one of the single station tuners 45 Vor 46 may be selected vmerely Iby throwing the V. H. F. station selector switch to the U. H. F. #1 or U. H. F. #2 position and the indicator lamps 36 and 31, which may be of different colors, are used to indicate to the operator which U. H. F. station is being received. In this connection, it will be understood that the single station U. H. F. tuners 45 and 46 may comprise any suitable circuit arrangement for receiving a single station .within the U. H. F. band. For example, the U. H. F. tuners 45 and 46 may be substantially identical to the continuous U. H. F. tuner 25 shown in Fig. 2 and described in detail above, with the exception that the controls for the tank circuits 60, $2 and 66 thereof are screwdriver adjustments and are not ganged together to a common tuning shaft. Preferably, when two single station tuners are employed, one of the tuners such as the tuner 45 is constructed to tune through the lower half of the U. H. F. television band and the other tuner 46 is arranged to tune through the upper half of the U. H. F. band. With this arrangement, a U. H. F. station anywhere in the U. H. F. television band may be selected by adjustment of the tuning of these tuners either at the factory or by a servicelman in the home.

As discussed generally above, the universal V. H. F. tuner is also adapted to operate in a dual conversion system for the reception of U. H. F. signals in which case the tuner performs the second frequency conversion. In order ystation selector switch position between the channel 6 and channel 7 positions, i. e., the switch position U. H. F. Alt., is reserved for this type of operation. In a dual conversion system a continuous U. H. F. tuner 41 is used to convert the received U. H. F. signals into corresponding intermediate frequency signals 4which fall between the frequencies of channels 6 and '1. For example, the intermediate frequency band of the U. H. F. tuner 41 may have a nominal center frequency of 133 mc.

In the U. H. F. Alt. switch position, i. e. the dual conversion position of the universal V. H. F. tuner i, the intermediate frequency output of the tuner 41 is connected to the input terminal Stb and signals from the tuner 41 are coupled through the inductance 248, the switch contacts |06 and s0, the condenser 20| and the inductance 202 to the control grid of the tube 20s. The inductance 248 is of suilcient value to tune the input circuit of the tube 203 to 133 mc. with the other circuit constants mentioned. In the U. H. F. Alt. position, rotor segment |3041 connects the contacts ISZc and |33a so that operating anode potential is supplied to the local oscillator of the U. H. F. tuner 41 over the conductor 21h and the rotor segment |35a connects the contacts |31 and |3161', so that alternating current is supplied to the indicator lamp 31a to indicate that the tuner 41 is in operation. In this connection it will be noted that the universal V. H. F. tuner is adapted to operate with the two single station U. H. F. tuners 45 and 46 and the U. H. F. continuous tuner 41 at the same time. Such an arrangement would be desirable in the event that a continuous tuner is provided which covers only a portion of the U. H. F. band. However, it will be understood that any one of the U. H. F. tuners 25, 45, 45 and 41 may be employed alone and the V. H. F. tuner I is adapted to operate therewith.

In the U. H. F. Alt. position it is also necessary to short circuit the V. H. F. input transformer 2&0 to prevent V. I-I. F. signals from interfering with U. H. F. reception. To this end, the rotor section |352) is used to connect the contacts |39 and |40 together to short circuit the secondary winding 20Gb. In this connection it will be noted that rotor segment i35a performs a dual function. Thus, the rotor segment |35a connects alternatingr current to the indicator lamps in the U. H. F. #l and U. H. F. #2 positions and short circuits the winding 20011 in the U. H. F. Alt. position. In the U. H. F. Alt. position, the secondary winding 200a is also open-circuited when the switch contacts |06 and 93 are connected together so that the V. H. F. antenna system I is completely isolated from the input circuit of the tube 203 in the U. H. F. Alt. position.

Since the first I. F. frequency of the dual conversion system is chosen in between the carrier frequencies of the V. H. F. channels 6 and '1, the incremental inductance arrangement used in the switch sections S3, S4 and S5 may be used without change in the U. H. F. Alt. position. Thus, the switch contacts |5|, |42, and |43 are connected together in this position so that the incremental inductances included between the xed contacts |52 and |43 are inserted in the output circuit of the tube 203 to tune this tube to 133 mc. Likewise, all of the incremental inductances connected between the terminals |62 to |68, inclusive, and |12 are inserted in the input circuit of 18 'the pentode section of the tube 2I1 and this tube is likewise tuned to the intermediate frequency of 133 Inc. Also, the contacts |8| and |89 are connected together so that the intermediate incremental inductances included between the contacts ltZ and |89 are used to tune the local oscillator sufficiently above the first intermediate frequency of 133 mc. to produce a second intermediate frequency output of 44 mc. from the stage 92. In this connection, the local oscillator of the dual conversion U. H. F. tuner 41 is preferably operated below the received U. H. F. signals so that the second frequency conversion performed by the local oscillator stage is compatible with the incremental tuning arrangement used for this oscillator during V. H. F. reception.

From the foregoing general description of the system, it will be recalled that the tuning shaft I ld, which is mechanically connected to the tuning condenser 230, is also ganged to the main tuning shaft of the U. H. F. tuner, when a continuous type U. H. F. tuner is employed, so that the conventional vernier tuning knob ||b of the V. H. F. television receiver may be used as a station selector knob for U. H. F. reception. When a dual conversion system is employed and the station selector switch is thrown to the U. H. F. Alt. position, it is necessary to remove the tuning condenser 230 from the local oscillator circuit of the V. H. F. tuner since variation of the tuning knob ilb during selection of a U. H. F. station would produce a Corresponding variation in the second I. F. frequency if the condenser 230 remained in the circuit. To this end, the condenser z3 is switched out of the circuit in the U. H. F. alternate position by means of the switch wafer S-t and the tuning condenser 230e. which is not mechanically ganged to the tuning shaft Id, is substituted in place of the condenser 23) by connecting the contacts |91 and |98 and opening the contacts |96 and |91. The condenser 23|a may be adjusted to give the correct local oscillator frequency during dual conversion reception, but is unaected by any tuning of the U. H. F. tuner 41.

In Figs. 4 and 5 there is illustrated one arrangement for mechanically ganging the tuning shaft Hd of the V. H. F. tuner to the main tuning shaft of a U. H. F. tuner such as the continuous type U. H. F. tuner 25 shown in Fig. 1, so that the tuning knob b, which is used for precise adjustment of the local oscillator in the V. H. F. tuner during V. F. reception, may be used for station selection during U. H. F. reception. Referring to these figures, the V. H. F. tuner is illustrated as mounted upon a conventional television receiver chassis 321'! which is positioned within a conventional television cabinet, the front panel of which is shown in fragmentary form at 32|. The front panel 32| is provided with an aperture 322 which is adapted to receive the coaxial station selector shaft ||c and Vernier tuning shaft ||d to which are respectively connected the station selector knob Ia and the Vernier tuning knob ||b. The U. H. F. tuner 25, which, as stated before, may comprise any suitable tuning arrangement for converting U. H. F. television signals into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and which is continuously variable by means of the common tuning shaft 8i, is shown as positioned immediately above and supported upon the upper decl: of the V. H. F. tuner sub-chassis 323. Thus, the U. H. F. tuner is provided with downwardly extending feet, one of which is shown at 324, which spaces the tuner to illuminate the dial di),

25 sufficiently above the deck of the sub-chassis ,323 to provide clearance for the tubes of the V. H. F. tuner il and the main tuning shaft BI of the U.,H. F. tube 25 is positioned directly above the tuning shaft IId of the V. H. F. tuner II. In order to gang the tuning shaft Iid and the main tuning shaft 8l of the U. H. F. tuner 25, a wheel pulley 325 is provided which is mounted on the shaft 8l behind the front panel 32I and carries on the front side thereof the U. H. F. station indicator dial 3E] which may be Viewed from the front panel of the receiver through the aperture 326 therein. The wheel 325 is connected by any suitable means such as the dial cord 32? to the tuning shaft iid so that these shafts are ganged together and may be operated in unison by turning the tuning knob i Ib. In this connection it will be noted that a drive reduction is obtained between the tuning shaft Ild and the shaft 8l so that the shaft BI may be turned at a relatively slow rate by rotation of the tuning knob I Ib. lt will be understood that the arrangement shown in Figs. e and 5 is merely for illustrative purposes and any other arrangement may be employed which is suitable to gang the vernier tuning shaft Hd and the main tuning shaft of the V. H. F. tuner and wherein the position of the main tuning shaft is indicated by suitable means.

Considering now the manner in which the universal tuning system of the present invention provides simplified tuning for both V. H. F. and U. H. F. reception, during V. H. F. reception the U. H. F. tuner 25 is deenergized and any one of the twelve existing V. H. F. stations may be selected by adjustment of the station selector knob IIa to any one of the channels 2 to 13, inclusive, shown in Fig. 7, and the Vernier tuning knob IIb is adjusted for precise tuning of the local oscillator in the V. H. F. tuner Il to produce the best picture, as described in detail above. When the station selector switch is thrown to the U. H. #l position (Fig. 7) the local oscillator in the V. H. F. tuner II is deenergized, the stages B0 and 92 therein are operated as I. F. amplifiers, the U. H. F. tuner 25 is energized, and the indicator lamp 36, which is preferably positioned adjacent the front panel opening 325 is also energized. U. H. F. stations may then be selected by rotating the tuning knob I ib until the desired U. H. F. station is indicated on the dial 853. All of the necessary switching to accomplish the above described operation is performed in the V. H. F. tuner II by merely throwing the station selector knob I I'a to the U. H. F. #l position.

When the station selector knob IIa is thrown to the U. H. F. Alt. position this same type of operation obtains and U. H. F. stations which are received by the U. H. F. tuner 41 (Fig. l) are selected in a manner identical to that described above. However, since a dual conversion system is provided in the U. H. F. Alt. position of the station selector switch, the condenser 230 (Fig. 3B) is removed from the circuit and the condenser 23a substituted therefor so that the frequency of the local oscillator stage 95 in the V. H. F. tuner I I remains constant despite rotation of the tuning shaft Ild during the selection of U. H. F. stations.

Whilethe foregoing description has referred to specific frequencies in the V. H. F. and U. H. F. television bands, it will be understood that changes may be made in the present channel 20 assignments in either band without affecting the basic principles of the present invention.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since many modincations may be made and it is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is l. In a television receiver, first tuning means arranged to convert signals received from any one of a plurality of relatively low frequency tele- Vision stations into corresponding signals of an intermediate frequency and including a local oscillator and a station selector switch for selectively varying the frequency of said local oscillator by relatively large increments to select individual ones of said low frequency stations, Vernier tuning means included in said first tuning means for Varying the frequency of said local oscillator in each low frequency station selecting position of said station selector switch and operable independently of said station Selector switch, second tuning means arranged to convert signals received from any one of a plurality of relatively high frequency television stations into corresponding signals of said intermediate frequency and including a second local oscillator and continuously variable tuning means therefor, an indicating device for indicating periods when said second local oscillator is energized, unicontrol operating means for said Vernier means and said continuously variable tuning means, and means in said first tuning means and operative when said switch is in a position other than a low frequency station selecting position for connecting the output 0f said second tuning means to the input of said first tuning means, removing operating potential from the local oscillator of Said first tuning means, and causing said rst tuning means to operate as an amplifier for signals of said intermediate frequency, said last named means being operative in said position to supply an energizing potential to the local oscillator of said second tuning means to energize the same and an operating potential to said indicating device to energize the same.

2. 1n a television receiver, first signal heterodyning means for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of relatively low frequency television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including station selector switch means for selectively tuning said first heterodyning means to signals from different ones of said relatively low frequency television stations, second signal heterodyning means for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of relatively high frequency television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including means for selectively tuning said second heterodyning means to signals from different ones of said relatively high frequency television stations, said station selector switch means having a plurality of relatively low frequency station selecting positions and a position for said second signal heterodyning means, Vernier tuning means for said first heterodyning means for adjustment of the tuning of said first heterodyning means in each of the low frequency station positions of said station selector switch means and operable independently of said selector switch means, uncontrol operating means for said Vernier tuning acess?? means and said tuning means of said second signal heterodyning means, first circuit connections for causing said unicontrol operating means to operate as a vernier tuning control for said first heterodyning means, and second circuit connections for causing said unicontrol operating means to operate as a station selector control for said second heterodyning means, said station selector switch means being operable in any one of said low frequency station positions to establish said first circuit connections in said rst heteroolyning means and operable in said second heterodyning means position to establish said second circuit connections in said rst heterodyning means and to connect the output or" said second heterodyning means to the input of said first heterodyning means.

3. In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including V. H. F. station selector switch means for selectively tuning said V. H. F. tuner to signals from diiierent ones of said V. H. F. television stations, a U. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including continuously variable tuning means for selectively tuning said U. H. F. tuner to signals from different ones of said U. H. F. television stations, said V. H. F. station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and a position for said U. H. F. tuner, Said V. H. F. tuner having Vernier tuning means for adjustment of the tuning of said V. H. F. tuner in each of said V. H. F. station selecting positions of said V. H. F. station selector switch means and operable independently of said V. H. F. station selector switch means, means operable when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position for rendering said Vernier tuning means ineie'ctive to vary the tuning of said V. I-I. F. tuner, and unicontrol operating means for said Vernier tuning means of said V. H. F. tuner and said continuously variable tuning means of said U. H. F. tuner, said unicontrol operating means acting as a Vernier tuning control for said V. H. F. tuner and as a station selector control for said U. H. F. tuner when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position.

4. In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner `for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations into corresponding signals of an intermediate irequency and including V. H. F. station selector switch means for selecting signals from different ones of said V. H. F. television stations, a U. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into corresponding signals of said intermediate frequency and including station selector means for selecting signals from different ones of said U; `television stations, said V. H. F. station selector switch means having a plurality of V.-H.'F. station selecting positions and a position forl said U. H. F. tuner, said V. H. F. tuner having Vernier'tuning means for adjustment of the Atuning thereof in each of the V. H. F. station selecting positions of said V. H. F. Station selector switch means and operable independently of said V. 'H. F. station selector switch means,

'means operable when said V. H. F. station 22 selector switch means is iii said U. F. tuner position for connecting theV intermediate frequency output of said U. H. F. tuner to the input of said V. H. F. tuner and causing said V. H. F. tuner to operate as an intermediate frequency ampliiier for signals of said intermediate frequency, and unicontrol operating meansfor said Vernier tuning means of said V. H. F. tuner andv said station selector means of said U. H. F. tuner, said unicontrol operating means acting as a. Vernier tuning control for said V. H. F. tuner when said V. H. F. station selector switch means' is in a V. H. F. station selecting position andas a U. H. F. station selector control for said U. H. F.. tuner when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position.

5. In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including a local oscillator and V. H. F. station selector switch means for selectively tuning said V. H. F. tuner to signals from different ones of said V. H. F. television stations, a U.,l-I. F.V tuner for converting signals received from any one oi' a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including U. H. F. station selector means for selectively tuning said U. H. F. tuner to signals from different ones of said U. H. F. television stations, said V. H. F. station selector switch means having a plurality of V H. F. station selecting positions and a position for said U. H. F. tuner, Vernier tuning means for adjustment of the frequency of said local oscillator in eachof said V. H. F. station selecting positions of said V. H. F. station selector switch means and operable independently of Said V. H. F. station selector switch means, means operable when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position for rendering said Vernier tuning means ineffective to vary the frequency of said local oscillator and for connecting the intermediate frequency output of said U. H. F. tuner to the input of said V.1 tuner, and unicontrol operating means for said Vernier tuning means and said U. H. F. station selector means, said unicontrol operating means acting as a Vernier tuning control for said V. H. F. tuner and as a station selector control for said U. H. F. tuner when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. tuner position.

6. In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F.' television stations into corresponding signals of an intermediate frequency and including a local oscillator and V. H. F. station selector switch means for selectively tuning said V. H. tuner to signals from diierent ones of said V. H. F. television stations, a U.Y H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into signals of said intermediate Vfrequency andincluding U. H. F. station selector means for selectively tuning said U. H. F. tuner to signals from diierent ones of said U. H. F. television stations, said'v V. H. F. station selector switch means having al plurality ci V. H. F. station selecting positions and a position for said U. H. F. tuner, Vernier tuning means for adjustment of the `frequency of' said local oscillator in each of said V. H. F. station selecting positions of said V. H. F. station setor switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position for connecting the intermediate frequency output of said U. H. F. tuner to the input of said V. H. F. tuner, causing said V. H. F. tuner to operate as an intermediate frequency amplifier for signals of said intermediate frequency and causing said local oscillator to cease generating oscillations, and uni-control operating means for said vernier tuning means and said U. H. F. station selector means, said unicontrol operating means acting as a vernier tuning control for said V. H. F. tuner and as a station selector control for said U. H. F. tuner when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position.

'7 In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including V. H. F. station selector switch means for selectively tuning said V. H. F. tuner to signals from different ones of said V. H. F. television stations, said V. H. F. station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. television station positions and a U. H. F. tuner selecting position and including a rst control member extending through the front panel of the receiver, said V. H. F. tuner having vernier tuning means for adjustment of the tuning of said V. H. F. tuner in each of said V. H. F. station selecting positions of said V. H. F. station selector switch means and operable independently of said V. H. F. station selector switch means, said vernier tuning means including a second control member extending through the front panel of the receiver, a U. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including a main tuning shaft positioned behind the front panel of the receiver, rotation of said shaft varying the tuning of said U. H. F. tuner to select signals from different ones of said U. H. F. television stations, means positioned behind the front panel of the receiver for mechanically interconnecting said second control member and said main tuning shaft, first circuit connections for causing said second control member to operate asavernier tuning control for said V. H. F. tuner, second circuit connections for causing said second control member to operate as a station selector control for said U. H. F. tuner, said V .H. F. station selector switch means being operable in any one of said V. H. F. station selecting positions to establish said rst circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner and operable in said U. H. F. tuner position to establish said second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner and to connect the output of said U. H. F. tuner to the input of said V. H. F. tuner, whereby stations in both the V. H. F. and U. H. F. television bands may be selected by manipulation of said first and second control members.

8. In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations into corresponding signals of an intermediate frequency and including V. H. F. station selector switch means for selectively tuning said V. H. F. tuner to signals from different ones of said V. H. F. television stations, a U. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into corresponding signals of said intermediate frequency and inn cluding a main tuning shaft the rotation of which varies the tuning of said U. H. F. tuner to select signals from different ones of said U. H. F. television stations, said V. H. F. station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and a position for said U. H. F. tuner, said V. H. F. tuner having vernier tuning means for adjustment of the tuning thereof in each of said V. H. F. station selecting positions of said V. H. F. station selector switch means and operable independently of said V. H. F. station selector switch means, said vernier tuning means including a control member continuously rotatable through a number of revolutions, means operable when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position for connecting said U. H. F. tuner and said V. H. F. tuner in tandem and causing said V. H. F. tuner to operate as an intermediate frequency amplifier for signals of said intermediate frequency, and means for mechanically connecting said control member to said main tuning shaft to drive the same at a reduced rate, said control member operating as a U. H. F. station selector when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position and being rotatable through a number of revolutions to cover the U. H. F. television band.

9. In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including V. H. station selector switch means for selectively tuning said V. H. F. tuner to sig'- nals from di'erent ones of said V. H. F. television stations, said V. H. F. station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. television station positions and a U. H. F. tuner selecting position, vernier tuning means for adustment of the tuning of said V. H. F. tuner in each of said V. F. station selecting positions of said V. H. F. station selector switch means, said vernier tuning means being operable independently of said V. H. F. station selector switch means and including a control member, a U. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including a main. tuning shaft the rotation of which varies the tuning of said U. H. F. tuner to select different ones of said U. H. F. television stations, means operable when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position for connecting the intermediate frequency output of said U. H. F. tuner to the input of said V. H. F. tuner, means for mechanically connecting said control member to said main tuning shaft, said control member operating as a U. H. F. station selector when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position, and indicating means mechanically interconnected with said main tuning shaft and said control member for indicating the U. H. F. television station position of said main tuning shaft of said U. H. F. tuner as said main tuning shaft is driven by said control member.

l0. In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including V. H. F. station selector switch means for selectively tuning said V. H. F. tuner `to signals from different ones of said V. H. F. television stations, said V. H. F. station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. television station selecting positions and a U. H. F.

tuner selecting position, Vernier tuning means for adjustment of the tuning of said V. H. F. tuner in each of said V. H. F. station selecting positions of said V. H. F. station selector switch means, said vernier tuning means being operable independently of said V. H. F. station selector switch means and including a control member, a U. H. F. tuner for converting signals received from any one of a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into corresponding intermediate frequency signals and including a main tuning shaft the rotation of which varies the tuning of said U. H. F. tuner to select signals from different ones of said U. H. F. television stations, means for mechanically connecting said control member to said main tuning shaft, first circuit connections for causing said control member to operate as a Vernier tuning control for said V. H. F. tuner, and second circuit connections for causing said control member to operate as a station selector control for said U. H. F. tuner, said V. H. F. station selector switch means being operable in any one of said V. H. F. station selecting positions to establish said first circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner and operable in said U. H. F. tuner position to establish said second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner and to connect the output of said U. H. F. tuner to the input of said V. H. F. tuner, and means for indicating when said V. H. F. station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position and said control member is used as a station selector control for said U. H. F. tuner.

ll. A V. H. F. television tuner, comprising lirst and second dual purpose signal translating stages and a local oscillator, station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and a U. H. F. tuner selecting position, first Vernier tuning means for said local oscillator including a manually operable Vernier tuning shaft, second Vernier tuning means adapted to vary the frequency of said local oscillator independently of said tuning shaft, circuit connections for causing said iirst stage to operate as a radio frequency amplifier 'for signals received -from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations and causing said second stage to convert signals amplified by said flrst stage into corresponding signals of a first intermediate frequency, circuit connections for causing said first stage to operate as an amplifier for signals of a diilerent intermediate frequency to be derived from a preceding U. H. F. tuner and said second stage to convert signals of said different intermediate frequency into corresponding signals of said first intermediate frequency, said station selector switch means being operable in any one of said V. H. F. station selecting positions to establish said first named circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner and to connect said first Vernier tuning means to said ilocal oscillator, and operable in said U. H. F. Vtimer position to establish said second named circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner, disconnect said first Vernier tuning means from said local oscillator and connect` said second vernici' tuning means to said local oscillator, whereby said Vernier timing shaft may be emp-loyed as a U. H. F. station selector means when said station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position.

12. In a television receiver, a V. H. F. tuner including first and second dual purpose signal translating stages and a local oscillator, a U. H. tuner v'for .converting signals receiyed 26 from any one of a plurality of U. H. F. television stations into corresponding signals of an intermediate frequency and including a tuning shaftA rotation of which varies the tuning of said U. I-I. F. tuner to select signals from different ones of said U. H. F. television stations, said V. H. F. tuner including station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and a position for said U. HV .F. tuner, said U. H. F. tuner being operable to select any one of said U. H. F. television stations by rotation of said tuning shaft when said station selector switch means is in said U. H. F. tuner position, a V. H. F. antenna input circuit, an intermediate frequency signal circuit tuned to said intermediate frequency and connected to the output of said U. H. F. tuner, means in said V. H. F. tuner connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second stage, means including first circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected between said antenna input circuit and said iirst stage and between said first and second stages for causing said iirst stage to operate as a radio frequency ampliiier for signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations and causing said second stage to convert signals amplified by said first stage into corresponding signals of said intermediate frequency, means including second circuit connections adapted to be connected between said intermediate frequency signal circuit and said first stage and between said :First and second stages for causing both said first and second stages to operate as intermediate frequency amplifiers for signals of said intermediate frequency, said station selector switch means being operable in any one of said V. H. F. station selecting positions selectively to establish said first circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein and to connect the input of said iirst stage to said V. H. F. antenna input circuit, and operable in said U. H. F. timer position to establish said second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, connect the input of said iirst stage to said intermediate frequency signal circuit, and prevent said local oscillator from generating oscillations.

13. A universal television tuner, comprisingfirst and second dual purpose signal translating stages and a local oscillator, a signal input terminal, means connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second stage, manually operable Vernier tuning means for said local oscillator, means including first circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected between said input and said first stage and between said rst and second stages for causing said first stage to operate as a radio frequency amplifier for signals received from any one of a plurality of relatively low frequency television stations and said second Stage to conv-crt signals amplified by said first stage into corresponding signals of a first intermediate frequency, means including second circuit connections for said local oscillator for changing the frequency of said local oscillator independently of said Vernier tuning means, means including third circuit connections adapted to be connected between said input and said rst stage and between said first and second stages for causing both said iirst and second stages to operate as intermediate frequency amplifiers for signals of said first intermediate frequency to be derived from a preceding ultra high frequency tuner, means including fourth circuit connections adapted to be connected between said input and said first stage and between said rst and second stages for Acausing said first stage to operate as an intermediate frequency amplifier for signals of a second intermediate frequency and said second stage to convert signals of said second intermediate frequency into corresponding signals of said first intermediate frequency, switch means operable in any one of a plurality of station selecting positions selectively to establish said first and second circuit connections in said universal tuner in operative circuit relation therein, operable in a different position to establish said third circuit connections in said universal tuner in operative relation therein and to disable said local oscillator, and operable in a still different position to establish said fourth circuit connections in said universal tuner in operative circuit relation therein and to disconnect said Vernier tuning means from said local oscillator without causing said local oscillator to cease generating oscillations.

14. A V. H. F. television tuner, comprising first and second dual purpose signal translating tubes and a local oscillator tube, a signal input terminal, a common cathode impedance for both said second signal translating and local oscillator tubes, means for connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second tube, means including first circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected between said input and said rst tube and between said first and second tubes for causing said first tube to operate as a radio frequency amplifier for signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations and said second tube to convert signals amplified by said first tube into corresponding signals of an intermediate frequency, means in-- cluding second circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected to said local oscillator to change the frequency thereof, means including third circuit connections adapted to be connected between said input and said first tube and between said rst and second tubes for causing both said first and second tubes to operate as intermediate frequency amplifiers for signals of said intermediate frequency to be derived from a preceding ultra high frequency tuner, and switch means operable in any one of a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions selectively to establish said first and second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, and operable in a different position to establish said third circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, to change the value of said common impedance and to cause said local oscillator tube to cease generating oscillations.

l5. A V. H. F. television tuner, comprising first and second dual purpose signal translating tubes and a local oscillator tube, a pair of shunt connected cathode resistors common to both said second signal translating and local oscillator tubes, a signal input terminal, means connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second tube, means including first circuit connections .selectively adapted to be connected between said input and said first tube and between said first and second tubes for causing said first tube to operate as a radio frequency amplifier for signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations and said second tube to convert signals amplified by said first tube into corresponding signals of a first intermediate frequency, the combined shunt impedance of said pair of resistors being sufficient to bias said second tube for operation as a converter, means including second circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected to said local oscillator to changethe frequency thereof, means including third cir' cuit connections adapted to be connected between`- said input and said first tube and between said first and second tubes for causing both said firstl and second tubes to operate as intermediate fre-- quency amplifiers for signals of said first inter' mediate frequency to be derived from a preced ing ultra high frequency tuner and for removing one of said pair of resistors from the common cathode circuit of said second signal translating and local oscillator tubes, the impedance of the remaining resistor being sufficient to bias said second tube for operation as an amplifier in the absence of current fiow through said oscillator tube, and switch means operable in any one of a plurality of station selecting positions selectively to establish said first and second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, and operable in a different position to establish said third circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein and to cause said local oscillator tube to cease generating oscillations.

16. A V. H. F. television tuner, comprising first and second dual purpose signal translating stages and a local oscillator, station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and a U. H. F. tuner selecting position, a V. H. F. antenna input circuit, a signal input circuit responsive to signals of an intermediate frequency to be derived from a preceding U. H. F. tuner, means connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second stage, means including first circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected between said antenna input circuit and said first stage and between said rst and second stages for causing said first stage to operate as a radio frequency amplifier for signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations and causing said second stage to convert signals amplified by said first stage into corresponding signals of said intermediate frequency, means including second circuit connections adapted to be connected between said signal input circuit and said first stage and between said first and second stages for causing both said first and second stages to operate as intermediate frequency amplifiers for signals of said intermediate frequency, said station selector switch means being operable in any one of said V. H. F. station selecting positions selectively to establish said first circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein and to connect the input of said first stage to said V. H. F. antenna input circuit, and operable in said U. H. F. tuner position to establish said second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, connect the input of said first stage to said signal input circuit in place of said V. H. F. antenna input circuit and prevent said local oscillator from generating oscillations.

17. A V. H. F. television tuner, comprising first and second dual purpose signal translating stages and a local oscillator, station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and a U. H. F. tuner selecting position, a V. H. F. antenna input circuit, a signal input circuit for signals of an intermediate frequency to be derived from a preceding U. H. F. tuner, a U. H. F. tuner output terminal in said 29 V. H. F. tuner. means connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second stage, means including rst circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected between said antenna input circuit and said rst stage and between said rst and second stages for causing said first stage to operate as a radio frequency amplifier for signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations and causing said second stage to convert signals amplified by said first stage into corresponding signals of said intermediate frequency, means including second circuit connections adapted to be connected between said signal input circuit and said first stage and between said iirst and second stages for causing both said rst and second stages to operate as intermediate frequency ampliers for signals of said intermediate frequency, said station selector switch means being operable in any one of said V. H. F. station selecting positions selectively to establish said iirst circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein and to connect the input of said first stage to said V. H. F. antenna input circuit, and operable in said U. H. F. tuner position to establish said second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, connect the input of said first stage to said signal input circuit in place of said V. H. F. antenna input circuit, prevent said local oscillator from generating oscillations and to supply a U. H. F'. tuner energizing potential to said U. H. F. K

tuner output terminal.

18. A V. H. F. television tuner, comprising first and second dual purpose signal translating stages and a local oscillator, station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and a U. H. F. tuner selecting position, a V. H. F'. antenna input circuit, a signal input circuit responsive to signals of an intermediate frequency to be derived from a preceding U. H. F. tuner, means connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second stage, rst and second groups of tuned circuits, means including rst circuit connections selectively adapted to connect said rst tuned circuits between said antenna input circuit and the input of said first stage and said second tuned circuits between the output of said first stage and the input of said second stage for causing said iirst stage to operate as a radio frequency amplifier for signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations and causing said second stage to convert signals amplified by said first stage into corresponding signals of said intermediate frequency, third and fourth tuned circuits, means including second circuit connections adapted to connect said third tuned circuit between said signal input circuit and said first stage and said fourth tuned circuit between the output of said rst stage and the input of said second stage for causing both said rst and second stages to operate as intermediate frequency amplifiers for signals of said intermediate frequency, said station selector switch means being operable in any one of said V. H. F. station selecting positions selectively to establish said first circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relatlon therein, thereby to connect the input of said first stage to said V. H. F. antenna input circuit, and operable in said U. H. F. tuner position to establish said second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, thereby to connect the input oi said first stage to said signal input circuit in place of said V. H. F. antenna input circuit, and to prevent said local oscillator from generating oscillations.

19. A V. H. F. television tuner comprising first and second dual purpose signal translating stages and a local oscillator, station selector switch means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and rst and second U. H. F. tuner selecting positions, a V. H. F. antenna input circuit, a first signal input circuit responsive to signals of an intermediate frequency to be derived from a first preceding U. H. F. tuner, a second signal input circuit responsive to signals of said intermediate frequency to be derived from a second preceding U. H. F. tuner, means connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second stage, means including first circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected between said antenna input circuit and said rst stage and between said first and second stages for causing said first stage to operate as a radio frequency amplifier for signals received from any one of a plurality of V. H. F. television stations and causing said second stage to convert signals amplied by said rst stage into corresponding signals of said intermediate frequency, means including second circuit connections adapted to be connected between said first signal input circuit and said nrst stage and between said first and second stages for causing both said first and second stages to operate as intermediate frequency amplifiers for signals of said intermediate frequency, means including third circuit connections adapted to be connected between said second signal input circuit and said rst stage and between said first and second stages for causing both said nrst and second stages to operate as intermediate frequency ampliers for signals of said intermediate frequency, said station selector switch means being operable in any one of said V. H. F. station selecting positions selectively to establish said iirst circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, thereby to connect the input of said rst stage to said V. H. F. antenna input circuit, operable in said first U. H. F. tuner position to establish said second circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in op- Y ei'ative circuit relation therein, thereby to connect said first signal input circuit to the input of said nrst stage in place of said V. H. F. antenna input circuit, and operable in said second U. H. F. tuner position to establish said third circuit connections in said V. H. F. tuner in operative circuit relation therein, thereby to connect said second signal input circuit to the input of said first stage in place of said V. H. F'. antenna input circuit, said station selector switch means being operable in either of said first and second U. H. F. tuner positions to prevent said local oscillator from generating oscillations.

20. A V. H. F. television tuner, comprising first and second dual purpose signal translating stages and a local oscillator, station selector switch` means having a plurality of V. H. F. station selecting positions and first and second U. H. tuner selecting positions, a V. H. F. antenna input circuit, a rst signal input circuit responsive to signals of an intermediate frequency to be derived from a first preceding U. H. F. tuner, a second signal input circuit responsive to signals of said intermediate frequency to be derived from a second preceding U. H. li'. tuner, first and second U. H. F. tuner output terminals, means connecting the output of said local oscillator to said second stage, means including first circuit connections selectively adapted to be connected between saidan- 

